Single Line Working

When one line of a a double line becomes blocked, SLW by pilotman allows trains to travel over the other line in either direction.

Red armband with PILOTMAN written in white on the left arm.

By signals where possible

By hand signals

By pilotman and handsignallers, under instruction from signaller

Control is provided by handsignaller and shunt signals

By handsignaller, pilotman or main aspect signal.

No handsignaller is required if there is a main aspect signal, or if the pilotman travels with every train over the single line in the wrong direction.

Opposite the signal protecting the crossover a yellow handsignal is authority to proceed.

A yellow flag or light, opposite the signal protecting the crossover is authority to proceed.

When the pilotman travels with every train in the wrong direction

or if the movement back to the proper line is controlled by a main aspect signal

• The pilotman must accompany the driver to the exit point

• You must get the signaller's permission to proceed over the crossover

• Or proceed when the signal clears, if there is one

• If a trailing crossover, get signaller's permission to draw forward and set back

During poor visibility, unless there is a main aspect signal

Unworked points must be secured and padlocked and a green flag placed beside them.

• Over which line SLW applies

• Between which crossovers

• To observe a green handsignal at any AHB crossing

• Precise locations of any handsignallers

• To pass a handsignaller only if a proceed handsignal is shown

• Arrangements for crossing back to the proper line (handsignaller, main aspect signal, pilotman)

• Location of any unworked points

• Temporary or emergency speed restrictions

When there is no handsignaller controlling movements back to the proper line

When working to and from a point of obstruction

• Identify the pilotman

• Clearly understand all instructions

• Have authority to enter the line and pass signal at danger

• Receive the SLW ticket RT3193 (other than in circumstances below)

• Assisting a failed train

• Evacuating passengers from a failed train

• Removing a portion of a divided train

• Removing a train that has proceeded without authority

• Working to and from point of obstruction

Know where to expect handsignallers and stop at these locations unless a proceed handsignal is shown.

Sound warning horn.

Obey signals

Normal speed, unless restrictions in place

• Tell the guard

• Obey handsignals and position lights

• Maximum 50mph

• Follow instructions regarding points and crossings - 15 or 50mph

• Disregard signals on other line

• Follow pilotman's instructions re crossings

• Return to proper line via handsignaller, main aspect signal or signaller authority

• Only pass signals at danger when authorised by signaller, pilotman or handsignaller

• Pilotman to accompany if no handsignaller at exit

• Normal use of warning horn (wrong direction horn code removed December 2025)

Not to exceed 15mph over entry and exit points.

If the points are mechanically operated, unworked or power-operated but not secured and padlocked:

• approach at caution and check in the correct position 

• not to exceed 15 mph over them. 

If power-operated points have been secured and padlocked, then the first train must: 

• approach at caution and check in the correct position 

• not to exceed 15 mph over them. 

Subsequent trains may proceed at up to 50 mph.

If instructed to do so by the pilotman you must stop and tell anyone working on or near the line that SLW has been introduced, and the lines over which it applies (or allow the pilotman to tell them if they are traveling with you).

Not to exceed 15mph over any points.

Cancel it and hand the RT3193 to the pilotman, or if they have not travelled with you hand it in before the end of duty.